The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised Senator Saliu Mustapha as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Kwara Central, following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and subsequent substitution as the party's flag-bearer for the district.
Mustapha secured the PDP ticket through substitution after crossing from the APC, and has since aligned himself with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's Rainbow Coalition, a political grouping that has been drawing members from across party lines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The senator's move carries added political weight given reports that he was among the politicians who worked to turn certain APC governors against Wike, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. His defection to the PDP and subsequent adoption into Wike's orbit marks a notable shift in his political positioning.
Supreme Court Ruling Behind INEC's Decision
INEC's recognition of Mustapha's candidacy follows the Supreme Court's judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, which upheld the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026. The ruling restated that political parties are required to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before any primary election, congress, or convention.
Crucially, the judgment also affirmed that only individuals whose names appear in those duly submitted registers are eligible to vote or stand for election in such internal party processes. The ruling effectively sets a clear legal standard for how parties conduct primaries and who qualifies to participate in them.
Application of the Rules to Mustapha's Candidacy
INEC's move to include Mustapha on its list of candidates appears to reflect its application of these rules to the substitution process that brought him onto the PDP ticket.
The commission's decision adds Mustapha to its records as the PDP's candidate for Kwara Central, a development that could reshape the political landscape in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political Implications for Kwara Central
Mustapha's recognition by INEC comes amid his reported involvement in efforts to turn certain APC governors against Wike, including Governor AbdulRazaq. His alignment with the Rainbow Coalition, which draws members from across party lines, signals a strategic repositioning that may influence alliances and rivalries in Kwara State politics.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the recognition of Mustapha as the PDP candidate is expected to have significant implications for the senatorial race in Kwara Central, with observers watching how this development affects the broader political dynamics in the state.
